Owner of team pony denies wrongdoing

The owner of the Irish team pony at the centre of the latest equine doping controversy categorically denied any wrongdoing in…

The owner of the Irish team pony at the centre of the latest equine doping controversy categorically denied any wrongdoing in a statement issued yesterday through the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI).

Mr Terry Power, who bought the pony Loughnatousa Bart from Waterford dealer Mr Tim Beecher in May of last year for his daughter Cailín to ride, stated that no banned substances had been given to the pony since it had been in his ownership.

The pony is alleged to have tested positive for two anti-inflammatory drugs and a relaxant. Results of confirmatory analysis on the B sample were expected a fortnight ago but no details have been released as yet.

The president of the Irish Federation spoke out yesterday against "trial by media", but said that "cheaters and abusers" are fair game once a judgement has been made.

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The EFI president also issued a statement yesterday, in which she explained the difference between doping and the legitimate use of out-of-competition medication.

"I have issued a general statement because there is great confusion amongst commentators and the public generally who would tar all transgressors with the one brush", she told The Irish Times yesterday.